William Edmond Godwin, Jr. peacefully left us on November 2, 2026, surrounded by his family to go to the place prepared for him by Jesus. He was born on June 3, 1950, in Norfolk, Virginia, and was raised in Princess Anne County, Virginia which he witnessed become what is known as Virginia Beach today. He shared a productive life with his parents, brother, sister, wife, and sons, contributing to the improvement of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.
Eddie graduated from Kellam High School and attended Nashville Auto Diesel College, earning a technical degree before returning home to Virginia Beach. He married Sylvia Alice Gibbs on April 14, 1973, and together they welcomed two sons. Much of his time was devoted to serving his community while wearing many hats—mechanic, volunteer firefighter, farmer, and handyman, just to name a few. He was always willing to help a friend in need. He also made many memories with his family on camping trips, visiting caverns, Native American burial grounds, historic sites, and museums. As his boys grew older, they spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and gardening with their father.
A lifelong child of God thanks to his parents, Eddie found great joy in being outdoors and taking care of this garden we call Earth. He took immense pride in the time he spent tending the land to provide grain for our country. Throughout his life, he set an earthly example of our Heavenly Father through his care for nature, his local work in establishing the Virginia Beach Fire Department with a group of volunteers, and 40 years of service to the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, where he worked as a mechanic. He ended his career as the shop supervisor servicing school buses to keep student transportation running smoothly. He was loved at work just as much as at home. Eddie Godwin was a wonderful example of how we should walk this earth to serve others while providing unwavering security and comfort for family, neighbors, and strangers. He blessed his family with the assurance to know that they always have a place to call home, even now, because he has left behind so much to support them. Just as Jesus blesses us with the assurance to know that he has prepared a place for Dad and us.
William is survived by his caring, loving wife of 53 years, Sylvia “Hunny” Godwin; his son, William E. Godwin III ("Little Eddie"), and fiancée Laura A. Rothwell; his son, Michael Godwin; his younger brother, Lynn Godwin and wife Sue Godwin; and two nieces, Amanda and Ashley. He was preceded in death by his father, William Edmond Godwin Sr. ("Papaw"); his mother, Mildred Emma Lowery Godwin ("Mamaw"); and his sister, Myrtle Woolard.
Most of all, Eddie was a beautiful example of Christ's love. His huge smiles, joy, and loud laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of faith, perseverance, generosity, commitment, trustworthiness, and warm, joyful camaraderie will live on in all of our hearts. Through those values instilled in his family, his legacy will be carried on and honored. We will see him again and rejoice.
Visitation will be held at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, on Sunday, November 8, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the funeral home on Monday, November 9, at 10:00 am. A graveside service to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park, with a reception to follow at Saint John’s Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint John’s Baptist Church.
Friends may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com
